10 things to see and do in Lisbon

And there is so much to see and do that it is difficult to have enough time to see everything you want, with time... we present here a selection, among others that you can do, of everything you cannot miss in the Portuguese capital.

1. Climb to the Castle of São Jorge and stroll through Alfama
Anyone who passes through Lisbon and does not go to the Castle of São Jorge will certainly have missed an unforgettable moment. It is the highest point in the city, in the middle of the most typical neighborhoods. A unique opportunity to feel, and understand, the city's connection with the Tagus River.

2. Listen to a Fado
Whether you like the style of music or not, dining by candlelight listening to fado in Lisbon is a must. For those who are lucky enough to hear him sing when passing through any street in Alfama, Mouraria or Madragoa, it is worth taking advantage of. Amateur or vagrant fado is like that, when you feel like singing, you sing and the guitars follow.

Escadinhas de São Cristóvão, Lisbon © C.M.L.- D.P.C. | José Vicente

3. Go to Terreiro do Paço
The largest square in Lisbon and also one of the most emblematic, symbol of the city and its reconstruction after the great earthquake of 1755. Currently, it is mainly a very pleasant space to stroll along the riverside in the late afternoon. It is also a very beautiful view of the river, on a boat trip.

4. Climb the Santa Justa Elevator
As you walk through Baixa, you can see yourself when you pass through it. It has an enviable view over this old part of Lisbon, in addition to being a privilege to travel in this elevator with more than a hundred years that was designed by Ponsard, a disciple of the great master of iron works, Gustave Eiffel.

5. Ride a tram
It is a common means of transport for Lisboners, but also one of the best ways to travel through the historic districts. It looks good in any photograph and the sound of the tram running on the rails is one of the most characteristic of the city. The 28 is the best known, but there is more...

6. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower

Lisbon has two unique monuments that are World Heritage Sites. They are two jewels of Manueline Gothic that easily impress anyone. In addition to the fact that the vaults worked in stone are an admirable work of engineering, the richness of the decorative elements linked to maritime aspects and the voyages of navigators is fascinating.

7. Taste a pastel de Belém

It is an ex-libris of Portuguese gastronomy and has a very well kept secret recipe that makes them unique. Not to be missed! A pastry sweet that Lisboners like to accompany with a coffee.

8. Visit the Oceanarium, in Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações is a success story in the revitalization of an industrial area, with a privileged location by the river. It is worth visiting the Oceanarium, one of the largest in Europe, where you can appreciate the fauna and flora of the various oceans of our planet.

Parques das Nações © Lisbon Tourism

9. Visit the National Tile Museum and the Coach Museum

They are two museums that have no equal in the world. One tells the history of the tile in Portugal, from the first uses on the wall in the 16th century to the present day. Another has an unparalleled collection of coaches, with good examples of the eighteenth century exuberantly decorated with paintings and gilded carvings.

10. Dinner in Bairro Alto

Lisbon is also known for having a very lively and busy nightlife. After an afternoon shopping in the elegant Chiado district, there is nothing like a late afternoon at one of the viewpoints, Santa Catarina or São Pedro de Alcântara, and staying for dinner in Bairro Alto. It is a must for those who like to go out at night and have fun.

by Visit Portugal